In the crowded field of GOP presidential primary candidates, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is making his stance clear on several key issues, including the prospect of a central bank digital currency in the U.S. and pro-life activism. In an interview with Tucker Carlson at the Family Leadership Summit in Des Moines, Iowa , DeSantis firmly asserted his position on many key issues. The interview prompted the adoration of popular Fox News host, Mark Levin, who labeled DeSantis as ‘the real deal” in a tweet responding to the governor’s remarks. Below is an outline of topics DeSantis addressed during his interview with Carlson.
DeSantis is the real deal.https://t.co/a4dnybVzEa
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) July 16, 2023
A Stand Against Central Bank Digital Currency
During the interview, DeSantis declared his intention to shut down the idea of a CBDC on his very first day in office, calling it a “massive threat to American liberty.” He proclaimed, “nix central bank digital currency. Done. Dead. Not happening in this country.” This bold statement makes it clear where DeSantis stands on the issue of financial digitization, showcasing his dedication to traditional monetary systems and voicing concerns over potential threats to freedom posed by digital currencies.
Pro-Life Advocacy Strengthened by Personal Experience
DeSantis, already known for his pro-life advocacy, shared a personal account that further solidified his stance on the issue. The experience of hearing his first child’s heartbeat during an ultrasound had a significant impact on him, providing a deeply personal context to his political stance.
He further pledged to protect pro-life activists from what he perceives as unwarranted harassment, vowing to fire any FBI agent who harasses a pro-life activist. DeSantis referred to a specific case involving Mark Houck, a pro-life activist, stating, “If we have an FBI agent going to harass a pro-life activist like they did Mark Houck and send a SWAT team, I’d fire them immediately.”
Under his governorship, Florida has taken a strong stand on the issue of abortion. DeSantis recently signed a bill banning most abortions after six weeks into a pregnancy, reinforcing his state’s record on the pro-life cause.
China and Federal Accountability
Identifying China as the “top threat” to the United States, DeSantis utilized the platform to discuss global threats, aligning himself with a commonly expressed concern in the Republican party.
Additionally, the interview touched on the topic of holding federal government employees accountable for their actions. DeSantis emphasized the need for better mechanisms for accountability, asserting that there are “levers that you can pull” to hold federal bureaucrats accountable.
Taking On the Democratic Establishment
Known for his confident approach, DeSantis relished the prospect of challenging the liberal Democratic establishment in the upcoming 2024 election. He jovially welcomed the opportunity to compare and contrast his home state of Florida with Democratic strongholds like California, confident in his state’s policies and achievements.
DeSantis’ remarks came during the Family Leadership Summit, an event co-hosted by Blaze Media and the FAmily Leader. Tucker Carlson, the interviewer, spoke to multiple GOP presidential primary candidates during the summit, allowing for an insight into each contender’s stance on key issues.